The sound of deck chairs being put out, the rustle of picnic baskets, and the popping of corks were good signs that Christchurch was ready for a relaxing summer afternoon of music in North Hagley Park. Rain was forecast (and some did eventuate) but this didn't dampen spirits.

There's always a danger with a line-up of acts best known for their glory days some time ago. There's a nervous moment when audience members wonder if nostalgia won't be enough to carry the day or if there may have been a noticeable lessening of skill as the intervening years have taken their toll. There have certainly been gigs I've attended in the past where that has been the case.

All three acts on today's bill delivered, mainly because they didn't pretend to be anything other than who and what they were. Sure, everyone's older (so are those of us who remember when their music first came out) but they're still great musicians and singers, and the quality of the songs that were their hits endures. It's great material and it was delivered with heart and skill to an audience responded with warmth.

Dragon, led by Mark Williams provided a really enjoyable opening set. The crowd sang along with gusto on the big numbers - April Sun in Cuba, Rain and Are You Old Enough? - and the hour-long set as a whole really stood up. Great musicianship from seasoned professionals was on show, with Bruce Reid on slide guitar providing a stand out moment.

Congratulations are due to the crew who staged this gig. The transitions between acts were smooth and timely and Jefferson Starship took to the stage without the crowd losing interest.

Cathy Richardson's vocals were superb. She is the real lynchpin of the current line up and provided visual interest and real rock star chops. Her voice is still absolutely terrific. Jude Gold on guitar was also excellent. David Freiberg's vocals were somewhat weaker (although they did improve as the set progressed) but considering he turned 80 last year and is still touring he can only be admired.

The crowd was of course waiting for We Built This City, a song with particular significance for Christchurch, and the band delivered it with a special acknowledgement of what the song meant for Cantabrians. They completely did the number justice and it was a highlight of the afternoon. Somebody to Love was also terrific and provided a reminder that the original incarnation of this band (Jefferson Airplane) played at Woodstock and were now in New Zealand for the first time 50 years later. That kind of musical longevity is to be honoured and applauded. What a musical legacy they have created!

It was left to Toto to round out the event. The band have made headlines since their arrival in New Zealand when they reacted with great presence, and lovely singing, to the welcome they received at Auckland Airport. The group have evidently enjoyed their time in this country and took to their set with genuine gusto. Love Isn't Always On Time really got the crowd going. The group's vocals were excellent throughout. Rosanna was another crowd favourite and it was enjoyable to hear Toto perform Human Nature, a track which featured on Michael Jackson's album Thriller and was co-written by Toto band member Steve Porcaro and John Bettis.

What was evident throughout the set were the long-standing relationships at the heart of the band's line-up, with references made to friendships that span decades and musical collaborations that started in garage rehearsals as teenagers. That's a deeply special connection to have at the heart of any music, and that connection was evident in the group's beautiful vocal harmonies, collaborative style and musicianship.

The set belonged of course to only one song - Africa - with the band thanking New Zealand fans for encouraging a resurgence in the track's popularity 30 years after its original release. The vocals were every bit as good live as they were on the original record.

It's a treat for New Zealand audiences to see a triple bill like this. The crowd left happy and hopefully the musicians had just as much fun as those of us listening did.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Michelle Rounds
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

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  Dream Chambers @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024
• 
  The Phoenix Foundation @ Meow Nui, Wellington - 14/12/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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